Parowan Gap - Petroglyph Site

Parowan Gap
Solar Calendar or Ancient Graffiti?

The Parley Pratt Expedition discovered the petroglyphs at Parowan Gap in 1849. The pass is a classic example of a wind gap, an unusual geological landform marking where an ancient river cut a 600-foot-deep notch through the mountain. Native Americans used this ancient gap for thousands of years to provide easy passage through the Red Hills.

The north wall of Parowan Gap contains a huge gallery of Native American rock art. Most petroglyph sites contain figures of humans and animals. This petroglyph site contains many deeply inscribed geometric forms, along with some humans and animals. The most interesting feature of this site is a very large and deeply inscribed petroglyph known as the "Zipper". Many archaeologists believe the "Zipper" is a composite map (space) and numerical calendar (time).

General Information:
This is a very enjoyable adventure which can be appreciated by everyone. There is no hiking or climbing involved to marvel at this ancient wonder. However, I did leave with one nagging question which is not nearly as abstract as time, space and solar calendars. Why are all the petroglyphs located only on the north side of the gap?

Parowan Gap from the Summer Solstice Cairn

Directions to Parowan Gap:
Travel down Parowan Main Street and turn west on 400 North (Gap Road). Follow this road 10.5 miles to the Parowan Gap. This road is paved the first 8 miles and is a good gravel road the remainder of the way.